If you want to understand the science issues that become news, this book is intended for you. With 400 drawings and diagrams, these tidbits of information for readers 9 to adult spell out the history of the problems modern science is confronting, from atomic theory and the Big Bang to health scares and global warming, explaining what's at stake and what the technical jargon actually means in clear and simple English. In nine chapters it describes science basics and provides a closer look at the observable universe, with a summary of how the world came into existence and a description of our planet and its environment, followed by the human organism, our health, and our genes. It also demystifies astonishing topics in physics and cosmology, including the theory of relativity, string theory, and quantum theory.

"Plain-language science explanations are supported by appealing color illustrations on every page in this reference for general readers in middle school and up. There is a special focus on topics that provoke controversy, such as stem-cell research and causes of climate change, with material presented from each side."—Book News